Barbara Murison, editor of Around the Bookshops as well many other contributions to the library and publishing world, died peacefully on Wednesday. Barbara will be sorely missed in our school library community. We know those in Wellington particularly, will be deeply saddened by her loss. She was made a Life Member of SLANZA for her contribution to school libraries across the nation but also the contributions she has made in her own city, going well above and beyond for the school communities she helped out with books and sage advice.

I had the privilege of attending Barbara's funeral this afternoon in Wellington. Old St Paul's was full of her friends and colleagues; so many authors, publishers, booksellers, library people of all sorts as well as fellow trampers and ardent conservationists.
In true Barbara style she had organised the whole event and to make up for not being able to be there at another fun social event, she had recorded a message for us all. How glorious and so very 'her' to make sure we could hear her one more time.
Thank you Barbara for your amazing passion for children's' literacy and children's books. You will be sorely missed.
Clare